Bishop Gerald Lobo Inaugurates Renovated St. Anne Chapel in Thottam, Emphasising Faith and Reverence
Malpe: The newly renovated St. Anne Chapel in Thottam was inaugurated and blessed on Wednesday by the Apostolic Administrator of the Udupi Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo. During the inaugural ceremony and subsequent Holy Mass, Bishop Lobo emphasised the sanctity of temples as abodes of God and the importance of preserving their sacred nature.
Addressing the congregation, Bishop Lobo stated, “Temples are sacred places that signify the presence of God, and everyone must preserve their sanctity.” He highlighted the integral role of temples in Indian culture as spaces dedicated to praise and worship. However, he stressed that true devotion transcends mere physical structures, underscoring the necessity of inner faith, reverence for God, and a lifestyle that honors the less fortunate. “External celebrations without inner devotion are meaningless,” he cautioned.
Bishop Lobo further articulated his vision for the revitalized chapel: “This church will be a sacred place for prayer, divine experience, and communion with the Almighty. Structures built of stone may perish, but the living temple within us endures forever.”
Following the Holy Mass, attendees participated in a Rosary prayer and a candlelight procession from the chapel to the main church. The formal inauguration and blessing were conducted by Fr. Wilson D’Souza.
A felicitation program was subsequently held on the main church’s open stage, during which donors, architects, and various contributors to the chapel’s construction were recognized and honored for their dedication and support.
The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna, Milagres Cathedral Rector Fr. Ferdinand Gonsalves of Kallianpur, Diocesan Chancellor Fr. Stephen D’Souza, former MLA J.R. Lobo, Raghupathi Bhat, Christian Development Corporation Director Prashanth Jathanna, Congress leader Prasad Raj Kanchan, President of the Sarva Dharma Coordination Committee Ramesh Thingalaya, MCC Bank President Anil Lobo, Convent Superior Sr Sushma, major donor Oswald Vaz, Peter Andrew D’Souza, Chairperson of the 20 Commissions of the Parish Pastoral Council Shanthi Fernandes, and Clifford Leena Vaz representing the Vaz family.
Parish Priest Fr. Denis D’Sa extended a warm welcome to all those present. Parish Pastoral Council Secretary Lavina Fernandes delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all who contributed to the project’s success. The list of donors was read out by Clarence Fernandes, and Vice President Leslie Aroza served as the program’s compere.